Earguard monitoring system

ABSTRACT

A sound pressure level (SPL) monitoring information system includes a database configured to store data including at least one of a list of earpiece devices and associated instrument response functions, an audiogram compensation information, or an earpiece frequency response function. The system further includes an SPL monitoring system comprising a microphone. The SPL monitoring system can be configured to receive a plurality of signals, each signal representing a respective SPL of sound pressure values over a time duration for a particular frequency band, the SPL monitoring system configured to determine at least one of: (a) an exposure time duration when at least one of the signals exceeds a SPL threshold value for the particular frequency band or (b) a recovery time duration when at least one of the signals is less than the SPL threshold value for the particular frequency band. Other embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/763,281, filed 14 Jun. 2007, which is a Continuation in Part ofpatent application Ser. No. 11/757,152, filed 1 Jun. 2007 thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety, and additionally claims the priority benefit of ProvisionalApplication No. 60/804,650 filed on Jun. 14, 2006 the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference in it's entirety as well.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a system for monitoring the soundpressure levels at a listener's ear, and in particular, though notexclusively, to monitoring the sound pressure levels over time and toutilize that information to reduce hearing damage.

BACKGROUND

With the advent of an industrial society, people are exposed to noisepollution at greater and greater levels; both from background, such asstreet traffic, airplanes, construction sites and intentional exposureto high sound levels such as cell phones, MP3 players, and rockconcerts. Studies show that ear damage, leading to permanent hearingimpairment is not only increasing in the general population, butincreasing at a significantly faster rate in younger populations.

The potential for hearing damage is a function of both the loudness andthe duration of exposure to the sound stimulus. Safe listening durationsat various loudness levels are known, and can be calculated by averagingaudio output levels over time to yield a time-weighted average. Standardguidelines published by OSHA, NIOSH or other agencies are known. Thiscalculation can be even further improved by or counting for aspects ofthe playback scenario, specifically the characteristics of the soundsource and their proximity to the listener's ear.

Studies have also indicated that hearing damage is a cumulativephenomenon. Although hearing damage due to industrial or backgroundnoise exposure is more thoroughly understood, the risk of exposing one'sself to excessive noise, especially with the use of headphones has alsobeen recently studied. Protecting the ear from ambient noise isprimarily done with the use of static earplugs that attempt to shieldthe inner ear from excessively high decibel noise. Background noisecanceling earphones such as those produced by Bose—and others, attemptto protect the ear from excessive ambient noise by producing a counternoise wave to cancel out the ambient noise at the ear. These prior artdevices have been less than satisfactory because they do not completelyprevent high decibel noise from reaching the ear, and do not account forthe duration of exposure to harmful sounds at the ear.

Active noise reduction at the ear to protect the ear from exposure toloud noises is discussed in U.S. published Application No.US2005/0254665. The art actively attenuates noise reaching the inner earutilizing a control; a connection with an earpiece and attenuating thenoise to the ear. However, there is no monitoring of the noise over timeto account for the cumulative effect. Furthermore, there is noaccounting for any restorative effects for sound pressure levels, whichare healing to the ear rather than destructive.

Dosimeters, such as that described in U.S. published Application No.US2005/0254667 are known. The device periodically measures prior soundlevel within the ear canal. However, the device does not take intoaccount the cumulative effect of the noise or the effect of anyrestorative period. Furthermore, no remedial action is taken as a resultof the readings.

It is also known from the related art that headphones for consumerelectronics have been provided with a predetermined maximum output levelin an attempt to prevent ear damage. This approach is ineffective as itdoes not take into account listening duration and the calculation ofrisk for auditory injury. Other headphones are maximum-limited toproduce levels that can still result in significant overexposure givenenough time, or limit the user to levels, which may not be sufficient toachieve a short term listening level. In the latter case, consumeracceptance for the protective gear could be severely limited and aproduct would fail to survive in a competitive market and therefore beof no use.

Another alternative known in the art is to reduce the headphone outputlevels by increasing earphone impedance via an accessory placed betweenthe media player and the earphones. The limitation of this approach isthat it gives no consideration to the duration of exposure, and againeither the user's chosen listening level cannot be achieved because themaximum level is too limited, or the level is sufficient to allow theuser access to high enough sound levels, but risk overexposure due topotential duration of use.

Additionally, related art systems fail to show, suggest, or teach amethod for sharing an audio transmission amongst enabled devices over awireless communications system. Nor do the related art systems disclosea detailed registration process, through which the ear input SPLmonitoring system can be customized for an individual user.

SUMMARY

At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a SPL monitoring systemcomprising: an audio transducer, where the audio transducer isconfigured to receive sound pressure, and where the audio transduceroutputs a plurality of electronic signals, where each signal representssound pressure levels (SPLs) for a particular frequency band; a logiccircuit, where time is broken into increments of time, where the logiccircuit measures and stores in a memory storage system an exposure timeduration when a signal's SPL exceeds a threshold value for theparticular frequency band of the signal and stores the SPL levelassociated with each increment of time in the exposure time duration,and where the logic circuit measures and stores a recovery time durationwhen the signal's SPL drops below the threshold value for the particularfrequency band of the signal and stores the SPL level associated witheach increment of time in the recovery time duration, where the logiccircuit calculates over an averaging time interval an average SPL dosewithin the averaging time interval, and where the logic circuitcalculates a safe time duration over which a user can receive currentsound pressure values; and an indicator element, where the indicatorelement produces a notification when an indicator level occurs, wherethe indicator level is at least one of: when the safe time duration hasbeen exceeded; when a listening duration is within a certain percentagerange of the safe time duration; when a listening duration is withinvarious levels, where each level is represented by an indicator colorand where each level represents a percentage range of the safe timeduration; when the power is low; and when at least one feature is notworking.

At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an SPL monitoringinformation system comprising: a database stored on a memory storagesystem, where the database includes data, where the data is at least oneof: a list of earpiece devices and associated instrument responsefunctions; a user's audiogram compensation information; and an earpiecefrequency response function; a retriever interface, where a request isobtained through the retriever interface by a sending unit; a logiccircuit; and an output control unit, where the request includes arequest for a subset of data, where the logic circuit compares therequest with the data in the database and retrieves the subset of dataand sends it to the output control unit, where the output control unitsends the subset of data to the sending unit.

Further areas of applicability of exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention will become apparent from the detailed description providedhereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description andspecific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of theinvention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are notintended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of present invention will become more fullyunderstood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the system for measuring and determiningexposure to sound over time at the ear constructed in accordance with afirst exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the system in accordance with at least oneexemplary embodiment of the invention in situ in the ear;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart for calculating listening fatigue in accordancewith at least one embodiment of the invention by measuring a quantity(e.g., the sound pressure level) over time as perceived at the ear;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart for determining a weighted ear canal soundpressure level in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart for determining a personalized recovery timeconstant in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart for determining an update epoch in accordancewith at least one exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart for determining an update epoch in accordancewith yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates the system according to at least one exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates how at least one exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention is applied to share audio signals among multiple users;

FIG. 10 illustrates in more detail the portion of the system of at leastone exemplary embodiment of the present invention that operates on theclient side, as a piece of hardware, software, or firmware; and

FIG. 11 illustrates in more detail the portion of the system of thepresent invention that operates on the server side.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following description of exemplary embodiment(s) is merelyillustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention,its application, or uses.

Processes, techniques, apparatus, and materials as known by one ofordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail butare intended to be part of the enabling description where appropriate,for example closed cavity volume.

In all of the examples illustrated and discussed herein any specificvalues, for example the number of users, a particular type of wirelesscommunication protocol, should be interpreted to be illustrative onlyand non limiting. Thus, other examples of the exemplary embodimentscould have different values or use other protocols.

Notice that similar reference numerals and letters refer to similaritems in the following figures, and thus once an item is defined in onefigure, it may not be discussed for following figures.

Sample Terminology

The following terminology presents examples only of meanings of commonlyused terminology and is intended to aid in the understanding ofexemplary embodiments, and is not meant to be limitative in nature.

Audiogram: An “Audiogram” can be a measured set of data describing aspecific individual's ability to perceive different sound frequencies.

Attenuation: “Attenuation” can be defined as a reduction of the signaloutput level either by linear gain reduction, by dynamic rangereduction, or a combination of both.

Client: A “Client” can be defined as a system that communicates with aServer and directly interfaces with a user.

Control Data: “Control Data” can be defined as information that dictatesthe operating parameters for a system or a set of systems. For the earinput SPL monitoring system described in at least one exemplaryembodiment, Control Data includes minimum input threshold parameters,acoustical transducer characteristics, the dBv to dBspl transferfunction, the time-weighted average noise exposure calculationparameters, the function relating time-weighted average noise exposureto recommended listening durations, and any filtering parameters thatrelate to Audiogram compensation, inverse Headphone response, personalpreferences, audiological recommendations or other related data.

Headphones: “Headphones” can be a set of acoustical transducers intendedas personal listening devices that are placed either over the pinnae,very near the ear canal, or inside the ear canal of the listener. Thisincludes the Playback Hardware commonly referred to as “earbuds,” or“headphones,” as well as other earpiece devices.

Hearing Damage: “Hearing Damage” can be defined as any temporarythreshold shift (TTS) or permanent threshold shift (PTS) in anindividual's hearing due to exposure to auditory stimuli.

Listening Habits History: “Listening Habits History” can be defined as arecord of a user's listening habits over time. This record can includeear input SPL data, listening duration data, time between listeningsessions, and other related data.

Playback Hardware: For example devices that can be used to playpreviously recorded or live streaming audio. Including, for example,Headphones, loudspeakers, personal music players, and other listeningdevices.

Server: A “Server” can be defined as a system that controls centrallyheld data and communicates with Clients.

An SPL Monitoring System

At least one exemplary embodiment of the invention is directed tomeasuring and determining the exposure to sound at the ear over time.Reference is made to FIG. 1 in which a system, generally indicated as100, is constructed in accordance with at least one exemplary embodimentof the invention. System 100 includes an audio input device 113 forreceiving sound at the ear. As will be discussed below, audio input 113can include an analog audio input 11, 23 and a digital audio input 119.In at least one exemplary embodiment, audio input 113 receives audioinput from at least one of three sources, namely; ambient noise aroundthe ear, direct input noise such as a MP3 player or other device whichcan produce a digital audio input at digital audio input 119, and noiseas detected within the ear canal 31 (FIG. 2). The audio input 113outputs an audio signal corresponding to the received sound. Analogoutput signals from analog audio inputs 11, 23 are converted to adigital signal by an analog-to-digital (AID) converter 118 so thatdigital sound signals are input into a level detector 120.

Input level detector 120 determines the sound pressure level of thesound received at audio input 113. Input level detector 120 outputs asound pressure level (SPL) signal, which is input to a minimum-levelthreshold detector 122. Minimum level threshold 122 determines whetheror not the sound pressure level as detected by input level detector 120exceeds a minimum level threshold. As will be discussed below, theminimum level threshold can be the effective quiet level of theindividual, or some predetermined level substantially corresponding to alevel, which is ear damage neutral over time or a level of interest,such as 80 dB, because of its effect on the ear. Therefore, if theminimum level threshold is detected as being exceeded, a loud signal isoutput to a start timer 124, which triggers a digital timer 126 to begina clock. Conversely, if the minimum level threshold is detected as beingbelow the minimum threshold, a quiet signal is output to a start timer124, which triggers a digital timer 126 to begin a clock of arestorative period. If the sound pressure level is at the minimumthreshold, no clock needs to be started because this is neutral to thedesired effect. In a preferred embodiment, the clock signal is changedwith every significant (more than 1 dB by way of example) change insound pressure level to get an accurate profile of sound exposure overtime.

Once the sound pressure level as detected at input detector level 120 isat the minimum level, a stop timer signal 128 is output to digital timer126 to stop the clock corresponding to exposure to the loud level.Digital timer 126 outputs a clock value corresponding to the time periodat which the minimum level threshold was not met, or in the profferedembodiment, for each period corresponding to a discrete level change.

A data memory or learning history databank 127 receives the clock valuefrom digital timer 126 as well as the actual input level detected atinput level detector 120 and determines a listening history or soundpressure level exposure history. The sound pressure level exposurehistory is a record of the user's exposure to sound pressure levels overtime. Because the effect of exposure is cumulative, it is important thatthe exposure history be maintained. The listening history, as will bediscussed below, can include real ear level data, listening durationdata, time between listening sessions, absolute time, sound pressurelevel dose data, including any restorative sound level, number ofacoustic transients and crest factor and other data.

The sound pressure level exposure history or listening history includesboth the listening habits history and the environmental or ambient noiseexposure history. The environmental noise exposure history is theexposure of a user to environmental noise over time as a result of theauditory stimuli inherent to the environment where the user is present.This can be highway traffic, construction site, even the restorativeeffect of the quiet of a library whereas, the listening habits historyis associated for the purposes for this disclosure with user-directedauditory stimuli such as music, words, other noises, which a userintentionally encounters for a purpose such as communication, learning,and enjoyment. Therefore, database 127, as will be discussed below,stores the cumulative SPL exposure.

It should be noted that in at least one exemplary embodiment, minimumlevel threshold detector 122 also starts the timer when the soundpressure level is below the predetermined level. In this way, therestorative effect of below effective quiet noise is accumulated fordetermining overall exposure damage potential.

In effect, the only time that digital timer 126 is not running is whenthe detected sound pressure level signal is at the minimum thresholdlevel. A listening fatigue calculator 130 receives the input levelsignal from input level detector 120 and data from the data memorylistening history 127, and determines whether or not listening fatigueor hearing damage is likely to occur as a result of further exposure.Hearing damage is the injury to the hearing mechanism includingconductive and sensorineural decrement in hearing threshold levels. Itcan be either temporary or permanent so long as it is a result of thenoise exposure above Effective Quiet. In other words, listening fatiguecalculator 130 will output a signal when a threshold determined as afunction of exposure time and sound pressure level, as will be discussedin greater detail below, is achieved. At that point, a listening fatiguesignal is output.

It should be noted that in an alternative embodiment, system 100 canmake use of an ambient noise detection/cancellation system 142 as knownin the art. These systems produce signals, which negate noise pressurelevels at certain frequencies and/or certain levels to reduce the effectof undesired noise, whether environmental noise or user directed noise.It will have some effect in elongating the exposure time by negating thesound pressure level detected by input level detector 142.

In at least one exemplary embodiment, the listening fatigue signal isutilized to prevent damage and encourages some action by the user whenexposure levels are near damaging levels. Therefore, in one non-limitingexample, a listening fatigue display 140 is provided for receiving thelistening fatigue signal and displaying to the user a prompt todiscontinue exposure to the sound level from the damaging sound sourceor audio source.

In another non-limiting example, the listening fatigue signal is outputto an audio warning source 132, which outputs an output audio warning tothe user notifying the user that exposure to the sound source hasreached critical levels.

In at least one exemplary, but non-limiting, embodiment, as will bediscussed below, system 100 includes an output acoustical transducer 25to provide an audio signal to the ear. Output acoustical transducer 25operates under the control of a digital signal processor 134. Digitalsignal processor 134 receives a digital audio signal from input leveldetector 120, which acts as a pass through for the digitized signalsfrom audio input 113. Digital signal processor 134 passes the soundsignals through to a digital to analog converter 136 to drive acousticaltransducers 25 to recreate the sound received at audio input 113 insidethe ear canal in at least one exemplary embodiment of the invention asshown in FIG. 2. With such an exemplary embodiment, audio warning source132 provides an output to digital sound processor 134 causing outputacoustical transducer 25 to output a warning sound inside the ear of theuser.

Lastly, in at least one further exemplary embodiment, listening fatiguecalculator 130 outputs a listening fatigue signal to digital processor134 which causes digital signal processor 134 to attenuate the soundsignal prior to output to acoustical transducer 25 to reduce the signaloutput level by any of the linear gain reduction, dynamic rangereduction, a combination of both, or a complete shutdown of transducer25. Attenuation would be at least to the level, if not below, theeffective quiet level to allow for ear recovery prior to damage.

It should be noted, that because personal hearing levels can change fromperson to person, and because both of the time intervals are a functionof many variables, in a non-limiting example, to provide a dynamicever-changing response, system 100 operates under software control. Theconfiguration of the digital sound processor 134, listening fatiguecalculator 130, the minimum level threshold detector 122, and the inputlevel detector 120 are operated under software control.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the control programs arestored in a program memory 148 for operating the firmware/hardwareidentified above. Furthermore, the program stored within memory 148 canbe personalized as a result of testing of the user's ear, or by othermodeling methods, in which system 100 includes a software interface 144for receiving online or remote source updates and configurations. Thesoftware interface 144 communicates with a data port interface 146within system 100, which allows the input of software updates to programmemory 148. The updates can be transmitted across a distributedcommunications network, such as the Internet, where the updates take theform of on line updates and configurations 143.

It should be noted that there is multiple functionality distributedacross system 100. In at least one exemplary embodiment, at least audioinput 113 and acoustical transistor 25 are formed as an earpiece, whichextends into the outer ear canal so that the processing of signalspertains to sound received at the ear. However, it is well within thescope of at least one exemplary embodiment of the invention to providesubstantially all of the functionality in an earpiece so that system 100is a “smart device.”

Reference is now made to FIG. 2 in which system 100 in which thetransducer configuration, that portion of system 100, which convertssound pressure level variations into electronic voltages or vice versais shown. In this embodiment, acoustic transducers include microphonesas an input and loudspeakers as an acoustical output.

FIG. 2 depicts the electro acoustical assembly 13 as an in-the-earacoustic assembly or earpiece, as it would typically be placed in theear canal 31 of ear 17 of user 35. The assembly is designed to beinserted into the user's ear canal 31, and to form an acoustic seal withthe walls 29 of the ear canal at a location 27, between the entrance tothe ear canal 15 and the tympanic membrane or eardrum 33. Such a seal istypically achieved by means of a soft and compliant housing of assembly13. A seal is useful to the performance of the system in that it createsa closed cavity in ear canal 31 (e.g. of approximately 0.5 cc) in anon-limiting example between the in-ear assembly 13 and the ear'stympanic membrane 33.

As a result of this seal, the output transducer (speaker) 25 is able togenerate a full range bass response time when reproducing sounds for thesystem user. A seal can also serve to significantly reduce the soundpressure level at the user's eardrum 33 resulting from the sound fieldat the entrance to the ear canal 15. A seal is also the basis for thesound isolating performance of the electroacoustic assembly 13. Locatedadjacent to speaker 25, is an ear canal microphone 23, which is alsoacoustically coupled to closed cavity 31. One of its functions is thatof measuring the sound pressure level in cavity 31 as a part of testingthe hearing acuity of the user as well as confirming the integrity ofthe acoustic seal and the working condition of itself and speaker 25.Audio input 11 (ambient microphone) is housed in assembly 13 andmonitors sound pressure at the entrance to the occluded ear canal. Alltransducers receive or transmit audio signals to an ASIC 21 thatundertakes at least a portion of the audio signal processing describedabove and provides a transceiver for audio via the wired or wirelesscommunication path 19.

In the above description the operation of system 100 is driven by soundpressure level, i.e. sound levels are monitored for time periods orepochs during which the sound pressure level does not equal the minimumthreshold or is constant. However, as will be discussed in connectionwith the next exemplary embodiments of the invention, system 100 canalso operate utilizing fixed or variable sampling epochs determined as afunction of one or more of time and changes in sound pressure level,sound pressure dosage level, a weighted sound pressure level, andrestorative properties of the ear.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3 in which a flow chart for monitoring thesound pressure level dose at various sample times n is provided. Theprocess is started in a step 302. An input audio signal is generated ina step 304 at either the ear canal microphone 23 or the ambient soundmicrophone 11. Exposure time is a function of the sound pressure level,therefore, the epoch or time period used to measure ear exposure or,more importantly, the time-period for sampling sound pressure level isdetermined in a step 305. The update epoch is used in the SPL dosefunction determination as well as to effect the integration period forthe sound pressure level calculation that, as will be discussed below,is used to calculate the weighted ear canal sound pressure level.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 6 and 7. In FIG. 6, a method is definedto change the update epoch as a function of the weighted ear canal soundpressure level, which will be discussed in greater detail below. System100 is capable of determining when earpiece 13 is in a charger orcommunication cradle (i.e., not in use in the ear of the user). In astep 684, a predetermined standard is provided for the update epoch, 60seconds in this example. In step 688, the update epoch is set as thein-cradle update epoch. The in-cradle state is detected is a step 686.If it is determined in a step 690 earpiece 13 is in a charger or cradlemode, then the update epoch is set at the in-cradle epoch; in the step688.

However, if in step 690 it is determined that the earphone device is inuse, in other words “not in the cradle”, then, by default, an audiosignal is input to earpiece 13 in step 692. In step 693, an ear canalsound pressure level is estimated as a function of the audio input atstep 692. The current (n) ear canal sound pressure level estimate isstored as a delay level in a step 698. An audio input is determined at alater time when step 692 is repeated so that a second in-time ear canalsound pressure level estimate is determined.

In a step 600, the delayed (n−1) or previous sound pressure level iscompared with the current (n) ear canal sound pressure level estimate tocalculate a rate of change of the sound pressure level. The change levelis calculated in units of dB per second. This process of step 692through 600 is periodically repeated.

In a step 606, it is determined whether or not the sound pressure levelchange is less than a predetermined amount (substantially 1 dB by way ofnon-limiting example) between iterations, i.e., since the last time theear canal sound pressure level is calculated. If the change is less thanthe predetermined level, then in step 604 the update epoch is increased.It is then determined in a step 602 whether or not the epoch update isgreater than a predefined amount D set in step 694 as a maximum updateepoch such as 60 seconds in a non-limiting example. If in fact, theupdate epoch has a value greater than the maximum update epoch D thenthe update epoch is set at the higher value D (step 608).

If it is determined in step 606 that the sound pressure level change isgreater than −1 dB, but less than +1 dB as determined in step 612, thenthe update epoch value is maintained in a step 610. However, if it isdetermined that the sound pressure level change is greater than +1 dB,then the update epoch value is decreased in a step 618 to obtain morefrequent couplings. A minimum predetermined update epoch value such as250 microseconds is set in a step 614. At step 616, if the decreasedupdate epoch determined in step 618 is less than, in other words an evensmaller minimum time-period than the predetermined minimum update epochE, then the new update epoch is set as the new minimum update epochvalue (step 622). In this way, the sample period is continuously beingadjusted as a function of the change in sound pressure level at the ear.As a result, if the noise is of a spike variety as opposed to constantvalue, the sampling interval will be changed to detect such spikes andprotect the ear.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7 in which a method for changing theupdate epoch is illustrated as a function of the way that the ear canalsound pressure level estimate is provided. Again, in accordance with atleast one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the update epoch isdecreased when the ear canal sound pressure level is high or increasing.

The difference between the embodiment of FIG. 7 and the embodiment ofFIG. 6 is that the update epoch is not continuously adjusted, but ismore static. If the ear canal sound pressure level is less thaneffective quiet (a decibel level) which when exposed to the ear overtime does not damage or restore the ear), then the update epoch is fixedat a predefined maximum epoch value and this is the value used by system100 as will be discussed in connection with FIG. 3 below. In thisembodiment, if the ear canal sound pressure level is determined to begreater then effective quiet, then the update epoch is fixed at ashorter minimum value and this is returned as the update epoch to beutilized.

In FIG. 7, specifically, as with FIG. 6, an in-cradle update epoch of 5seconds by way of non-limiting example, is stored in system 100 in astep 784. In a step 788, the initial update epoch is set as thein-cradle update epoch. A maximum update epoch time, such as 2 secondsby way of non-limiting example, is stored in a step 794. In a step 714,an initial minimum update epoch (250 microseconds in this non-limitingexample) is stored.

In a step 786 and step 790 it is determined whether or not system 100 isin a non-use state, i.e., being charged or in a cradle. If so, then theupdate epoch is set at the in-cradle update epoch. If not, then adigital audio signal is input from ear canal microphone 25 in step 792.A sound pressure level is estimated in step 795. It is then determinedwhether or not the ear canal sound pressure level is less than effectivequiet in a step 732. If the sound pressure level is less than theeffective quiet as determined in step 732, then the update epoch is setat the maximum update epoch in a step 730. If the sound pressure levelis louder than the effective quite, then in step 716, the update epochis set to the minimum update epoch.

Returning to FIG. 3, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the updateepoch is set at 10 seconds in a step 302 utilizing either a constantpredetermined sample time, or either of the methodologies discussedabove in connection with FIGS. 6 and 7. In a step 306, the input audiosignal is sampled, held, and integrated over the duration of the epochas determined in step 308. As a result, the update epoch affects theintegration period utilized to calculate the sound pressure level doseas a function of the sound pressure level and/or as the weighted earcanal sound pressure level.

In a step 310, an earplug noise reduction rate is stored. The noisereduction rate corresponds to the attenuation effect of earpiece 13, orsystem 100, on sound as it is received at audio input 11 and output atthe output transducer 25 or as it passes from the outer ear to the innerear, if any exemplary embodiment has no ambient sound microphone 11. Ina step 311, a weighting ear canal sound pressure level is determined,partially as a function of the earplug noise reduction rate value.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4 where a method for determining theweighted ear canal sound pressure level in accordance with at least oneexemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated. Like numerals areutilized to indicate like structure for ease of discussion andunderstanding. Weighting is done to compensate for the manner in whichsound is perceived by the ear as a function of frequency and pressurelevel. As sounds get louder, the ear hears lower frequencies moreefficiently. By weighting, if the level of the sound of the field islow, the methodology and system utilized by at least one exemplaryembodiment of the invention reduces the low frequency and high frequencysounds to better replicate the sound as perceived by the ear.

Specifically, a weighting curve lookup table, such as A-weighting, actsas a virtual band-pass filter for frequencies at sound pressure levels.In a step 304, the audio signal is input. In step 410,frequency-dependent earplug noise reduction ratings are stored. Thesevalues are frequency-dependent and in most cases, set asmanufacturer-specific characteristics.

As discussed above, in a step 306, the input audio signal is shaped,buffered and integrated over the duration of each epoch. The soundpressure level of the shaped signal is then determined in a step 436. Itis determined whether or not ambient sound microphone 11 was utilized todetermine the sound pressure level in a step 444. If microphone 11 wasutilized, then the frequency-dependent earplug noise reduction rating ofearpiece 13 must be accounted for to determine the sound level withinthe ear. Therefore, the noise reduction rating, as stored in step 410,is utilized with the sound pressure level to determine a true soundpressure level (step 446) as follows:SPL_(ACT)=SPL−NRR:where sound pressure SPLAcT is the actual sound pressure level perceivedat the ear, SPL is the sound pressure level determined in step 436 andNRR is the noise rate reduction value stored in step 410.

If the ambient sound microphone 11 is not used to determine the soundpressure level then the sound pressure level determined in step 436 isthe actual sound pressure level. So that:SPL_(ACT)=SPL

It is well within the scope of at least one exemplary embodiment of theinvention to utilize the actual sound pressure level as determined sofar to determine the affect of the sound pressure level sensed at theear on the health of the ear. However, in at least one exemplaryembodiment, the sound pressure level is weighted to better emulate thesound as heard within the ear. Therefore, in a step 412, a weightingcurve lookup table is stored within system 100. In a step 440, theweighting curve is determined as a function of the actual sound pressurelevel as calculated or determined above in steps 436, 446 utilizing aweighting curve lookup table such as the A-weighting curve. TheA-weighting curve is then applied as a filter in step 438 to the actualsound pressure level. A weighted sound pressure level for a sampled timeperiod (SPL_W(n)) is obtained to be utilized in a step 414.

The weighting curve can be determined in step 440 by applying afrequency domain multiplication of the sound pressure level vector andthe weighting curve stored in step 412. The weighting curves can bestored as a lookup table on computer memory, or can be calculatedalgorithmically. Alternatively, the input audio signal can be filteredwith a time or frequency domain filter utilizing the weighting curvestored in step 412 and the sound pressure level as calculated. Forlow-level sound pressure levels, those less than 50 dB, by way ofnon-limiting example, a weighting curve, which attenuates low and highfrequencies can be applied (similar to an A-weighting curve). For highersound pressure levels, such as more than 80 dB, by way of non-limitingexample, the weighting curve can be substantially flat or a C-weightingcurve. The resulting weighted ear canal sound pressure level during anyrespective sampling epoch is returned as the system output SPL_W(n) instep 414.

Returning to FIG. 3, a safe listening time is calculated by comparingthe weighted sound pressure level with the effective quiet level (step312) in step 316. Therefore, a value A corresponding to how far fromsafe listening the sound pressure level is, is determined by theequation:A=SPL_W(n)−EfQwhere EfQ is equal to the effective quiet time.

By utilizing this simple comparative function, fewer machinations andprocesses are needed. System 100 takes advantage of the fact thatbecause the effective quiet time is neutral to the ear, sound pressurelevels significantly above the effective quiet level are generallydamaging and noise levels below the effective quiet are generallyrestorative.

In a step 318, the remaining safe listening time at the beginning of anycurrent sampling epoch (Time_100%) is calculated. The remaining safelistening time is calculated as follows:Time_100%=24/2^((SPL_W(n)−EfQ/3).

In this embodiment, rather than make use of the Sound Level (L), theperiod is a function of the loudness and quietness of the weighted soundpressure level. It should be noted that effective quiet is used in theabove example, but any level of interest, such as 80 dB, or no soundlevel, i.e., SPL_W(n)-0, may be used. The weighted sound pressure leveland effective quiet can be expressed as a frequency-dependent numericalarray or a value scalar.

It is next determined whether or not the difference between the currentweighted sound pressure level and the effective quiet is above atolerable threshold or not, i.e., whether the weighted SPL in theeardrum is considered loud or not. A sound pressure level dose iscalculated depending upon whether the sound level is loud or not. Thesound pressure level dose is the measurement, which indicates anindividual's cumulative exposure to sound pressure levels over time. Itaccounts for exposure to direct inputs such as MP3 players, phones,radios and other acoustic electronic devices, as well as exposure toenvironmental or background noise, also referred to as ambient noise.The SPL dose is expressed as a percentage of some maximum time-weightedaverage for sound pressure level exposure.

Because the sound pressure level dose is cumulative, there is no fixedtime-period for ear fatigue or damage. At effective quiet, the soundpressure level exposure time would theoretically be infinite. While thetime period for the sound pressure level dose becomes smaller andsmaller with longer exposure to loud noise. A tolerable level changethreshold corresponding to the amount of noise above or below theeffective quiet, which has no great effect on the ear as compared toeffective quiet is determined and stored in memory 148 in a step 320. Ina step 322, the differential between the weighted sound pressure leveland the effective quiet is compared to the level change threshold.

A differential value A, corresponding to the level change, is calculatedas follows:A=SPL_W(n)−EfQIf A is greater than the level change threshold, the noise is consideredloud and the sound pressure level is calculated in a step 324 asfollows:SPL Dose=SPL Dose(n−1)+(Update_Epoch/Time_100%)where SPL Dose(n−1) is the SPL Dose calculated during the last epoch;Update_Epoch is the time (in hours) since the last SPL Dose wascalculated. As described above, Update_Epoch can be adaptive, e.g.,shortened when the sound pressure level is louder; and Time_100%, thetime period remaining for safe exposure is determined by the equation:Time_100%=24 hours/2*((L−EfQ)/3)where L=sound level (in dB) of the combination of Environmental Noiseand Audio Playback. It should be noted that sound level (L) can besubstituted for SPL_W(n).

It should be noted, as can be seen from the equation, that the timevalue becomes more important than the sound pressure level as updatesare spread apart. However, this is to protect overexposure to harmfulsounds because a less accurate sample size must account for the unknown.The wider the periodicity, the less accurate determination of actualexposure. Infrequent updates of the dose assume a relatively constantsound level, ignoring spikes and intervening restorative periods.Accordingly, sound pressure level and epoch periodicity are weighedagainst each other to protect the ear.

If in step 322 it is determined that the differential is not greaterthan the level change threshold, including negative values for A (whichare restorative values), then in step 326 it is determined whether ornot the differential, as determined in step 316, is less than the levelchange threshold in a step 322. If it is determined that thedifferential is not less than the level change threshold, then thereceived noise was the effective quiet level, i.e., the level changethreshold equals zero and in a step 330, the current SPL Dose ismaintained at the same level. There is no change to the dose level.However, if the differential A is less than the level change thresholdthen this is a restorative quiet as determined in step 326, so the SPLdose is determined in a Step 328 as follows:SPL Dose=SPL Dose(n−1)*e″(−Update_epoch/′r)Where: ‘t (referred to as “tau” in the following diagrams) is equal toapproximately 7 hours. In some embodiments, tau is adaptive fordifferent users. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the level changethreshold is set at substantially 0.9-1.0 dB.

In step 332, the recovery time constant tau is determined. It is not afunction of exposure, but rather of recovery. It can be a default numberor be determined as will be discussed below. As the SPL Dose iscalculated by system 100, it is also monitored. Once the SPL Dosereaches a certain level, as it is a cumulative calculation, ear fatiguecalculator 130 determines whether or not the SPL Dose corresponds to afatigued ear, and if so, it outputs warnings as discussed in connectionwith FIG. 1.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5 which depicts an optional methodologyfor not only updating the recovery time constant (tau) for individualusers, but to provide additional methods for acting upon detecteddamaging exposure. The process is started at a step 548. In a step 550,it is determined whether or not the user wishes to make use of aregistration process, for example online, for setting a personalizedupdate epoch through communication with a remote registration system. Ifthe user declines the registration, then the default tau is set at 7hours in a step 552. In a step 554, this default value is transmitted tosystem 100 via a wired or wireless data communication network.

Alternatively, if the user registers in step 550, a questionnaire ispresented in a step 556 in which the user informs system 100 regarding auser sound exposure history, age, work habits and other personal detailsthat could affect the user's personal recovery function time, i.e., thetime constant tau. The individual characteristics can be input to aformula or utilized as part of a look up table to determine the tau forthe individual user. The estimate of tau determined in step 556 istransmitted to system 100 via a wireless or wired data communicationsystem in a step 558. In step 560, the initial estimate of tau is setfrom the value determined in step 556.

An initial hearing test is performed in a step 561, which acquires dataindicative of the user's hearing sensitivity. The test may be anotoacoustic emission (OAE) test or audiogram administered utilizing theear canal receiver or speaker 25. However, the test can also beadministered over the Internet, telephone or other communication devicecapable of outputting sounds sent across a distributed network andenabling responsive communication. The data is stored in a computermemory as an initial test value in a step 570 and is used in furtherprocessing to detect a change in the user hearing response.

In a step 564, it is determined whether the user has been recentlyexposed to loud sound pressure levels. This can be done utilizing thesound pressure level dose as stored or permanently calculated by system100. If it is decided in step 564 that the user's ear canal soundpressure level is low, then in a step 563 it is determined whether thetime since the last test is greater than a maximum test epoch. At theoutset, the maximum test epoch is a set number determined in a step 562.In this non-limiting example, the maximum test epoch is set at 20 hours.

If it is determined that the time since the last test is greater thanthe maximum test epoch or, that there has been recent exposure to loudsound pressure level, then another test is administered in a step 566.The resulting test metrics are stored in steps 568, 570. In a step 571,the newly determined test metrics are compared to the initial testmetrics to calculate any change in the metrics. In step 572, it isdetermined whether the change is predictive of hearing damage. If not,then in a step 582, the tau is modified according the obtained metric.

If it is determined that the hearing damage is predicted, then in a step578 the user is recommended to remove themselves from the noise asdiscussed above with the operation of fatigue calculator 130 andfurthermore, the user can be recommended to seek professionalaudiological evaluation in a step 578. This could be done by an in situauditory or visual warning in step 580 by system 100. On the other hand,if system 100 is used in connection with a communications device such asa telephone or a personal digital assistant, an e-mail can be created insteps 574, 576; not only warning the user of potential damage, butnotifying a health professional so that a follow up examination can beperformed.

It should be noted that a change in the hearing metric (e.g., a hearingsensitivity curve) is measured by system 100. In response to the user'shearing metric, the recovery time constant tau is updated. For example,tau is shortened if the change in the user's hearing metric indicatesthe user has “sensitive ears”, i.e., if, following loud sound exposure,the user's hearing sensitivity takes longer than seven hours to returnto the individual's normal. This modified tau can be used to calculatethe sound pressure level dose, in particular in restorative phase, todetermine better overall sound pressure level exposure.

By providing a monitoring and protective system which, in at least onemode, continuously monitors sound pressure level at the ear until apotentially harmful exposure has occurred, rather than only monitoringfor a predetermined time as with Noise Dose monitors which monitor forwork shifts, a more accurate predictor of harm to the ear is provided.By utilizing a method, which determines exposure in part as a functionof effective quiet exposure as well as loud noise exposure, an enhancedmodel of potential risk is achieved. By providing a series of warningmechanisms and preventive measures as a function of the determinedpotentially harmful dosage levels ear damage is more likely to beprevented. By providing the system in an earpiece which substantiallyoccludes the ear and making use of audio inputs at the external andinternal ear, a more accurate reading of noise level is provided andmore control through a real time warning system is achievable.

It should be known that values for level change threshold, effectivequiet time, and epoch were used above as examples. However, it should benoted that any values which when input and utilized in accordance withthe methodologies above prevent permanent damage to the ear are withinthe scope of the invention and the invention should not be so limited tothe specific examples above.

Additional Exemplary Embodiments

FIGS. 8-11 illustrate exemplary embodiments of systems according to atleast one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an earguard monitoringsystem that includes any communication system able to communicate withan SPL monitoring system or an SPL monitoring information system.

Illustrated in FIG. 10 is an ear input SPL monitoring system formonitoring the SPL exposure over time for a listener, the system caninclude all or some of the following parts such as: an analog audioinput [1003] and an analog to digital converter [1001]; digital audioinputs [1002]; an audio input level monitoring system [1000]; afrequency band monitoring device [1020], where several frequency bandscan be monitored independently; a timer system [1014] that can beactivated (for example via start timer [1012] and stop timer [1013]) bya minimum audio input threshold [1004]; a non-volatile updatable programmemory storage system [1005] (e.g., RAM, memory stick, other electronicdata recording medium as known by one of ordinary skill in the relevantarts), containing all necessary Control Data (e.g., threshold values); anon-volatile data memory storage system for storing data (e.g., timerdata, audio output dBv data, calculated ear input SPL levels, and otherdata related to Listening Habits History) to track the user's ListeningHabits History [1015]; a data connection system can be included and usedfor updating Control Data in the program memory [1006] (e.g., via USB,BlueTooth, or other data transfer methods); an ambient noise leveldetection system [1017]; a method, for example as described above, forestimating the SPL at the listener's ear input based on a default set ofacoustical transducer characteristics (e.g., general instrument responsefunction) or, after a registration process such as viasoftware/registration interface [1007), specific acoustical transducercharacteristics (e.g., specific instrument response function); a methodfor calculating the time-weighted average noise exposure for thelistener from audio output level data, estimated SPL at ear data, timerdata, and Playback Hardware characteristics based default Control Datasettings or customized Control Data settings retrieved through aregistration processes; a method for calculating a recommended maximumsafe listening duration for the listener based on time-weighted averagenoise exposure calculations and default Control Data settings orcustomized Control Data settings retrieved through a registrationprocesses [1016) via Internet-server connection [1008).

For example in at least one exemplary embodiment a logic circuit cancalculate a safe time duration of listening at the current averageacoustic level. In this non-limiting example, the time is broken intoincrements of time, where the logic circuit measures and stores in amemory storage system an exposure time duration when a signal's SPLexceeds a threshold value for the particular frequency band of thesignal and stores the SPL level associated with each increment of timein the exposure time duration. The logic circuit can also measure andstore a recovery time duration when the signal's SPL drops below thethreshold value for the particular frequency band of the signal andstores the SPL level associated with each increment of time in therecovery time duration. The logic circuit can calculate over anaveraging time interval (e.g., user selected, and average time based onexposure SPL level, a stored value for example a value selected by auser during registration with an accessible web based software system)an average SPL dose within the averaging time interval. The logiccircuit can then calculate a safe time duration over which a user canreceive current sound pressure values. For example if a healthy dailySPL dose is selected to be a value MAX then at the current SPL dosagerate over the averaging time interval, the safe time duration can bedetermined to be the time it would take from now to reach the MAX valueat the average SPL dose.

In at least one exemplary embodiment an indicator element (e.g., aseries of LED lights, a warning beep, other visual and acousticalmethods) can be used to indicate various scenarios for example; anindicator element, where the indicator element indicates at least oneof: when the safe time duration has been exceeded; when a listeningduration is within a certain percentage range of the safe time duration;when a listening duration is within various levels, where each level isrepresented by an indicator color and where each level represents apercentage range of the safe time duration; when a listening durationhas exceeded a threshold duration, where the threshold duration is athreshold percentage of the safe time duration; and when the power islow or at least one feature is not working. In at least one exemplaryembodiment the indicator element is an audio warning sound source andcan include: a speech synthesis system that generates spoken messagesindicating the remaining listening duration deemed safe by the ear inputSPL monitoring system; a sample playback system that produces apre-recorded alert signal or spoken message indicating the remaininglistening duration deemed safe by the ear input SPL monitoring system,or some related information; and a synthesis system that produces analert signal relating to the remaining listening duration deemed safe bythe ear input SPL monitoring system.

In at least one exemplary embodiment the indicator element is a displaysystem which can include: a display system configured to indicate thelevel of listener noise exposure and the amount of listening time leftbefore potential Hearing Damage; a color-coded indicator patch; and aLED display. The various indicator levels used can be stored in a memorystorage device and can be user selected via a software system which thenstores the user selections in the memory storage device.

An earpiece device can include a speaker that directs output audiosignals to an ear canal (for example output to transducer [1019]), wherewhen a notification occurs, at least one of the following occurs: anaudio warning signal occurs; a visual display is updated with a warningmessage; and the speaker attenuates the output audio signal.

In at least one exemplary embodiment the Listening Habits History of theuser is accounted for in the calculation of a recommended maximum safelistening duration.

At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a system forautomatically attenuating audio input signals that exceed a maximum safeoutput threshold, which is set by the Control Data [1009]. Thresholdsettings are based on audiological recommendations, Playback Hardwarecharacteristics, user preferences, or any combination thereof and can beupdated through the registration process described in at least oneexemplary embodiment.

At least one exemplary embodiment can include an audio warning soundsource [1011] that can take the form of one or more of the following: aspeech synthesis system that generates spoken messages indicating theremaining listening duration deemed safe by the ear input SPL monitoringsystem, or some related information; a sample playback system thatproduces some pre-recorded alert signal or spoken message indicating theremaining listening duration deemed safe by the ear input SPL monitoringsystem, or some related information; a synthesis system that producessome alert signal relating to the remaining listening duration deemedsafe by the ear input SPL monitoring system, or some relatedinformation.

Additionally at least one exemplary embodiment can include a displaysystem for indicating the level of listener noise exposure and theamount of listening time left before potential Hearing Damage [1018]that can take the form of one or more of the following: a color-codedindicator patch; a LED display; and/or any appropriate digital display.

At least one further exemplary embodiment can include a digital signalprocessor for audio signal path attenuation, mixing audio warningsignals with audio input, applying filtering to the audio signal path,and additional audio signal path processing indicated by the ControlData [1009] as well as a digital to analog converter [1010].

Exemplary embodiments can further include a method for a user to specifythe behavior of the system when excessive levels of SPL exposure aredetected. Depending on user specifications, the system either produces:a series of audio warning signals; updates a visual display with awarning message; automatically attenuates audio output using the DSP;and/or any combination of the above the methods describe above.

Referring to FIG. 11, additionally at least one exemplary embodiment canbe used for Headphone listening scenarios, where an earpiece device(e.g., headphone, earbud, or any other device that is configured todeliver acoustic signals to the ear) the system further comprising: adatabase system [1102] containing information about the earpiece devicecharacteristics, including the SPL output, the positioning of theacoustic transducers with respect to the listener's ear, frequencyresponse compensation data, hardware photographs, price points, andother characteristics [1104].

The system can include an interface for retrieving earpiece devicecharacteristics data (e.g., instrument response functions, frequencyresponse characteristics of the earpiece) from the database (e.g., anydatabase system can be used, or a simple data file ASCII or binary, or aspreadsheet) and inputting that data to the program memory (e.g., RAM)via a data connection [1100] (e.g., via a wire or wireless connection)for example to a web server [1101]. The earpiece device characteristicsdata (e.g., manufacturer's data, instrument response function, frequencyresponse characteristics, and other earpiece data that can be used tocontrol or modify acoustic signals to the ear) can be stored as afunction of an earpiece (e.g., headphone) make and model (e.g., Bose,On-Ear, Quiet Comfort 3™) identification number that is read when theHeadphones are connected to the system.

Where the system refers, in at least one exemplary embodiment, to a SPLmonitoring information system which comprises: a database stored on anmemory storage system, where the database includes data, where the datais at least one of: a list of earpiece devices and associated instrumentresponse functions or other manufacturing information [1104]; a user'saudiogram compensation information [1105] (which may be obtained, forexample, by an audiogram testing system [1109]); and an earpiecefrequency response function; a retriever interface, where a request isobtained through the retriever interface by a sending unit; a logiccircuit; and an output control unit, where the request includes arequest for a subset of data, where the logic circuit compares therequest with the data (e.g., the instrument response function and auser's audiogram) in the database and retrieves the subset of data(e.g., the instrument response function) and sends it to the outputcontrol unit (e.g., a logic circuit controlling a Bluetooth wirelessemitter) where the output control unit sends the subset of data to thesending unit (e.g., the headphone requesting the data).

The data in the database can contain any data useful for monitoring,modifying or controlling (Control Data) acoustic signals to an ear, butcan also include data related to determining Control Data, for example,user information in a database [1106], demographic information, age, andgender, where for example a default user audiogram (a type of ControlData) is entered as data in the database as a default user audiogrambased upon age. Data can also include positioning of acoustictransducers in an earpiece according to make and model with respect tothe listener's ear, the listening habits history [1103] (e.g., storedSPL doses over time, averaged per day or other amounts of temporalaveraging) of a registered user.

The output control unit can send the subset of data to the sending unitvia many different methods, for example via snail-mail [1113], e-mail,text message, and a standard communication signal. Once a sending unitreceives the subset of data the sending unit can vary its acousticoutput characteristics, for example different frequencies can beenhanced (e.g., amplitude increased), based upon the subset of data(e.g., a user's audiogram indication of frequency dependent hearingloss). Note that U.S. Pat. No. 6,840,908 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,379,314discuss a method for fast acquisition of an individual's Audiogram

The sending unit (e.g., earpiece device) can modify or control itsacoustic output properties by various methods, for example via theapplication of an appropriate Headphone frequency response compensationfilter or an Audiogram compensation filter (an example of Control Dataand a subset of data sent) to the audio signal input using a digitalsignal processor.

The SPL monitoring information system can be stored on or queried froman earpiece device, a Personal computer system, a Personal Music Playersystem, an automotive audio system, a home audio system, an avionicsaudio system, a personal video system, a mobile phone system, a personaldigital assistant system, or a eye-glass frames system with acousticaltransducers. The SPL monitoring information system (e.g., 800 and 900)can additionally be remotely accessed. For example FIG. 8 illustrates acombined earpiece device (804 and 805), which includes an earguardsystem 804 (e.g., a system that monitors acoustic output to the ear butalso has the capability to communicate to control communications to theSPL monitoring system) and a headphone system 805, which can interactvia a communication interface 802, through the internet 810 (e.g., viawired hookup or wirelessly) to a remote SPL monitoring informationsystem 800. Note that FIG. 8 illustrates additional devices (e.g., audioplayback hardware 803) that can be connected to the earguard system 804,where characteristics of the additional devices can be obtained viaquery of the additional devices or data stored in the SPL monitoringinformation system 800.

Note that using the earguard 804 system in an earpiece device, with theassociated SPL monitoring information system (800 or 900), an audiblewarning signal (an example of an indicator element), some displayinformation, or a combination of both can warn the user when theearpiece device may be insufficient for the measured ambient noiseexposure over time.

FIG. 9 illustrates a possible scenario of use of the earguard systemwhere earpiece devices (e.g, 902, 903, 904, and 906) communicate witheach other (i.e., have an earguard system in the earpiece) asillustrated in 905 or directly (e.g., wirelessly 901) with a remote SPLmonitoring information system 900. Thus such earpieces could share userdata if that feature is enabled (e.g., user set or default).Additionally communication of an earguard system can be via the earpiecevia cell phones, Mobile phone networks, or other communication systems.Additionally in at least one configuration an earguard system in anearpiece can query devices within range to seek other earguard systemsfor information. The request from one earguard can be passed along withthat earguard's identifier (e.g., user registration number) and requestto another earguard in range which will then pass to another through achain until a wireless or wired connection with a remote SPL monitoringinformation system is obtained with the subset of data transmitted viaearguard to earguard until the sender unit earguard is identified byit's identifier.

In at least one exemplary embodiment updated Control Data can betransmitted from the Server system to the system based on theregistration information provided by the user. Updates to the ControlData can include modification of minimum input threshold parameters,acoustical transducer characteristics, the dBv to dBspl transferfunction, the time-weighted average noise exposure calculationparameters, the function relating time-weighted average noise exposureto recommended listening durations, and any filtering parameters thatrelate to Audiogram compensation, inverse Headphone response, personalpreferences, audiological recommendations or other data.

In at least one exemplary embodiment a quick Audiogram acquisitionprocess can be included as part of the registration process viaaudiogram testing system [1109], and an Audiogram compensation filtercan be included as part of the Control Data updates. Audiogram data canbe encoded and decoded for transmission using a HIPAA compliant encodingsystem (for example via an informed consent document [1112] and anencoding process stored in database [1111]) using interface [1114].

At least one exemplary embodiment can also include a registration systemto the SPL monitoring information system where a fast head relatedtransfer function (HRTF) deduction process [1107] is included as part ofthe registration process, and Semi-Personalized HRTF data, stored forexample in database [1108] is included as part of the Control Dataupdates. HRTF and Semi-Personalized HRTF are described in a “Method ofModifying Audio Content”, application Ser. No. 11/751,259 filed 21 May2007, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety. Additionally the user can specify the devices he/she plans touse from a stored list, which will be added to her registered account.

In at least one exemplary embodiment the user can have his/her earpieceon, which is in communication with a remote SPL monitoring informationsystem, where the user is modifying personal settings and listening tothe effect on his/her earpiece in near real time, facilitating his/herchoice of the best listening environment. A feedback system [1110],allowing the user to select the best listening experience from a numberof candidate listening experiences, based on the spatial qualityperceived in the HRTF-processed auditory test signal.

In at least one exemplary embodiment a SPL monitoring information systemcan include Listening Habit information [1103], for example which wassent via a Server every time the data port is connected to acommunications network capable of connecting with the Server.Additionally the Listening Habits information can be entered during theregistration process. The SPL monitoring information system can be setto send regular reports of statistical trends in Listening HabitsHistories, Audiograms, and registration information across many usersand many demographics, and can provide information to a given userrelating their personal Listening Habits History, Audiogram results, andregistration information to statistical trends and additionally can beset to send a notification to a registered user indicating when the saiduser should re-take an Audiogram test via audiogram testing system[1109].

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all modifications, equivalent structures and functions of therelevant exemplary embodiments.

Thus, the description of the invention is merely exemplary in natureand, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the inventionare intended to be within the scope of the exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departurefrom the spirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sound pressure level (SPL) monitoringinformation system comprising: a database configured to store dataincluding at least one of: a list of earpiece devices and associatedinstrument response functions; audiogram compensation information; or anearpiece frequency response function; and an SPL monitoring systemcomprising a microphone, wherein the SPL monitoring system is configuredto receive a plurality of signals, wherein each signal of the pluralityof signals represents a respective SPL of sound pressure values over atime duration for a predetermined frequency band, wherein the SPLmonitoring system is configured to determine: (a) an exposure timeduration when at least one of the signals of the plurality of signalsexceeds a SPL threshold value for the predetermined frequency band and(b) a recovery time duration when at least one of the signals of theplurality of signals is less than the SPL threshold value for thepredetermined frequency band; wherein the SPL monitoring system isconfigured to receive a request from a sending unit for a subset ofdata, and is configured to retrieve the subset of data from the databaseand send the subset of data to the sending unit; and wherein an earpieceof the list of earpiece devices is configured to modify an acousticoutput in accordance with the subset of data received from the SPLmonitoring system.
 2. The SPL monitoring information system according toclaim 1, wherein the subset of data further includes at least ageinformation and gender information, and wherein a default audiogram inthe database is based upon age and gender.
 3. The SPL monitoringinformation system according to claim 1, wherein the subset of datafurther includes a SPL output of a particular earpiece device make andmodel, a positioning of acoustic transducers in the particular earpiecedevice with respect to an ear, or a combination thereof.
 4. The SPLmonitoring information system according to claim 1, wherein the subsetof data further includes a listening habits history of a registered userincluding ear input SPL data, listening duration data, time betweenlistening sessions, or a combination thereof.
 5. The SPL monitoringinformation system according to claim 1, wherein the SPL monitoringsystem sends the subset of data to the sending unit by an email, a textmessage, a standard communication signal, or a combination thereof. 6.The SPL monitoring information system according to claim 1, wherein theSPL monitoring system is configured to further determine: (c) an averageSPL dose over an averaging time interval within the time duration, (d) asafe time duration over which current sound pressure values can beprovided to a user, or a combination thereof.
 7. The SPL monitoringinformation system according to claim 1, wherein the SPL threshold valuerepresents a neutral ear damage level of a user of a particular earpiecedevice, such that an ear recovery function occurs below the SPLthreshold value.
 8. A method of modifying audio output of an earpiecedevice comprising: sending the request for the subset of data from theearpiece device selected from the list of earpiece devices to the SPLmonitoring system according to claim 1; and receiving the subset of datafrom the SPL monitoring system.
 9. The method according to claim 8,wherein the subset of data is an instrument response function of theearpiece device, wherein the instrument response function is includedwithin the associated instrument response functions.
 10. The methodaccording to claim 8, wherein the subset of data is the audiogramcompensation information associated with a user of the earpiece device.11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the subset of data is theearpiece frequency response function.
 12. A sound pressure level (SPL)monitoring system for monitoring sound exposure to a user comprising: amicrophone configured to receive sound pressure values over a timeduration and output a plurality of electronic signals, wherein eachelectronic signal of the plurality of electronic signals represents arespective sound pressure level (SPL) of the received sound pressurevalues over the time duration for a predetermined frequency band; alogic circuit configured to receive the plurality of electronic signalsand to determine: (a) an exposure time duration when at least one of theelectronic signals of the plurality of electronic signals exceeds a SPLthreshold value for the predetermined frequency band, and (b) a recoverytime duration when at least one of the electronic signals of theplurality of electronic signals is less than the SPL threshold value forthe predetermined frequency band, and one or more of (c) an average SPLdose over an averaging time interval within the time duration for thepredetermined frequency band, and (d) a safe time duration over whichcurrent sound pressure values can be provided to a user for thepredetermined frequency band; an indicator element configured toindicate an event in response to the plurality of electronic signals;and an earpiece configured to modify an acoustic output in accordancewith a subset of the SPL of the received sound pressure values.
 13. TheSPL monitoring system according to claim 12, wherein the event includes:when the safe time duration has been exceeded, when a listening durationis within a certain percentage range of the safe time duration, when thelistening duration is within one or more predetermined levels, when apower of the SPL monitoring system is low, when at least one feature ofthe SPL monitoring system is not working, or a combination thereof. 14.The SPL monitoring system according to claim 12, wherein the eventincludes when a listening duration is within one or more predeterminedlevels, and wherein each predetermined level is represented by anindicator color, and each level represents a percentage range of thesafe time duration.
 15. The SPL monitoring system according to claim 12,wherein the indicator element includes an audio warning sound source.16. The SPL monitoring system according to claim 15, wherein the audiowarning sound source generates a spoken message indicating a remaininglistening duration deemed safe by the SPL monitoring system, an alertsignal indicating the remaining listening duration, or a combinationthereof.
 17. The SPL monitoring system according to claim 12, whereinthe indicator element includes a color-coded indicator.
 18. The SPLmonitoring system according to claim 12, further comprising a speakerconfigured to direct an audio signal to an ear canal.
 19. The SPLmonitoring system according to claim 18, wherein in response toindicating the event, the following occurs: an audio warning signal isoutput by the SPL monitoring system, a visual display coupled to the SPLmonitoring system indicates a warning message, the speaker attenuatesthe audio signal, or a combination thereof.
 20. The SPL monitoringsystem according to claim 12, wherein the SPL threshold value representsa neutral ear damage level of the user, such that an ear recoveryfunction occurs below the SPL threshold value.